Zona de bajas emisionesReino Unido
Normas de tráfico
Reino Unido
37. Zona de bajas emisiones
Una zona de bajas emisiones, o LEZ, es un área definida donde se restringe el acceso de los vehículos más contaminantes para reducir la contaminación atmosférica relacionada con el tráfico. Los vehículos que no cumplan los criterios de emisiones exigidos pueden tener prohibida la entrada o necesitar un permiso temporal, exención o pase diario.
Las normas de acceso suelen depender de factores como la categoría del vehículo, el tipo de combustible y la norma Euro de emisiones. Los requisitos de las zonas de bajas emisiones varían entre países y ciudades, por lo que los conductores deben comprobar las normas aplicables antes de entrar.
What is a low-emission zone?
A low-emission zone is an area where access by more polluting vehicles is restricted in order to improve air quality.
Why are low-emission zones introduced?
They are intended to reduce traffic-related air pollution, particularly pollutants produced by older or higher-emitting vehicles.
Which vehicles can be restricted in a low-emission zone?
Restrictions may apply to cars, vans, trucks, buses, motorcycles or other motor vehicles, depending on the local regulations.
How is access to a low-emission zone determined?
Access commonly depends on the vehicle's fuel type, Euro emission standard, vehicle category and sometimes other technical characteristics.
What is a Euro emission standard?
A Euro emission standard indicates which European pollutant-emission requirements a vehicle satisfies. Higher Euro numbers generally represent newer and stricter emissions requirements.
Are diesel and petrol vehicles treated the same?
Not necessarily. Low-emission zones often apply different access criteria to diesel and petrol vehicles because their pollutant-emission characteristics differ.
Can electric vehicles enter a low-emission zone?
Fully electric vehicles are generally permitted because they produce no combustion-engine exhaust emissions while driving, although local registration or administrative requirements may still apply.
Can a vehicle that does not meet the normal criteria still enter?
Some low-emission zones provide exemptions, temporary permits or day passes for certain vehicles or circumstances.
How can you recognise a low-emission zone?
Traffic signs normally indicate the entrance and exit of the zone. Drivers should check the applicable restrictions before passing the entry sign.
How are low-emission zones enforced?
Enforcement may use automatic licence-plate cameras, roadside controls or registration databases. The exact system varies between cities and countries.
Do foreign vehicles have to follow low-emission-zone rules?
Yes. Foreign vehicles must comply with the applicable access criteria and may also have to complete an online registration before entering.
Are low-emission-zone rules the same everywhere?
No. Each country, region or city can establish different boundaries, emission requirements, exemptions and enforcement procedures.
